Meet Scott Colom, a proud native of Columbus, Mississippi, and a distinguished graduate of Columbus High School. His remarkable journey is a testament to his dedication, intelligence, and commitment to making a positive impact on Mississippi.

 

Education and Early Beginnings

Scott's academic journey began at Millsaps College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. His passion for learning and curiosity about the world led him to exciting opportunities beyond the classroom. After completing his undergraduate studies, Scott was selected by World Teach, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, to teach English in a small rural town in Guyana, South America. His dedication to education and cross-cultural experiences left an indelible mark on the community.

 

Pursuing Excellence in Law

Scott's thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. He pursued a legal education at the prestigious University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating cum laude. During his time there, he undertook internships with the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania, and earned one of just twenty-five coveted summer honors internships with the United States Department of Justice. Upon completing his law degree, Scott was one of the fortunate 28 young legal professionals nationwide to be awarded a prestigious National Fellowship. He worked tirelessly with the Mississippi Center for Justice, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.        

 

Historic Appointments & Elections

Scott Colom's career achievements include making history as the youngest and first African American justice court judge in Lowndes County in 2011. He continued to break barriers by being appointed municipal court judge in Aberdeen, Mississippi, in 2012 and becoming the first African American prosecutor for the city of Columbus in 2013.

In 2015, Scott was elected as the District Attorney for Circuit Court District Sixteen, encompassing Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay, and Noxubee counties. His dedication to public service and his community led to a resounding re-election in 2019 and 2023. In 2022, Mr. Colom was nominated to be Federal Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi by President Joseph Biden. 

 

A Champion of Safety and Justice

During his tenure as District Attorney, Scott Colom and his dedicated team have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety and justice. Under his leadership, the office has achieved a remarkable over 95% conviction rate, with Mr. Colom personally prosecuting 27 violent criminals.

 

Furthermore, Mr. Colom's tenure has been marked by significant strides in enhancing access to pretrial diversion programs for first-time non-violent offenders. This includes initiatives such as subsidizing rehabilitation services for those battling drug addiction, facilitating employment opportunities, and providing counseling services.

 

Moreover, the office has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the establishment of Mississippi's first restorative justice program, pioneering grievance counseling services for survivors of violent crime, organizing tree planting memorial services for those affected by violence, and establishing the first partnership with the Innocent Project to refer and consult on wrongful convictions.

 

Beyond their official duties, Mr. Colom and his team have consistently engaged in community outreach, mentoring young individuals, volunteering as coaches, sponsoring high school sports, supporting community programs, and expanding victim services. Their dedication to both legal excellence and community service is commendable and has left a lasting impact on the community they serve.

 

Family and Community Ties

Scott is not just a trailblazer in the legal field; he is also a devoted family man. He is happily married to Nadia Dale Colom of West Point, Mississippi, and together they are proud parents of two daughters, Luci and Brooklyn Colom. Their commitment to their community extends beyond their professional lives, with Scott being a lifelong member of Missionary Union Baptist Church in Columbus and Nadia being an active member of Northside Christian Church in West Point.

 

Scott Colom's story is one of determination, resilience, and a profound desire to make Mississippi a better place